Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Group has ordered two Boeing 747-400ER freighters and attracted the US manufacturer’s interest in contracting its outsize airlift services.

During a visit by Russia’s industry and energy minister Viktor Khristenko to Seattle, the two sides signed an agreement for the supply of a pair of 747-400 freighters with extended range and payload of 120t.

The aircraft are intended for Volga-Dnepr’s scheduled subsidiary AirBridge Cargo with deliveries in 2007 and 2008. They will complement three Boeing 747-200 freighters that presently operate on its routes between Europe and China.

Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Group is looking at landing a $1 billion contract with Boeing to transport outsize parts for the manufacture of the 787 aircraft family.